Juventus hero Del Piero humbled at Asian Cup ambassadorship

Alessandro Del Piero admitted it was a humbling experience to be named the global ambassador for the 2015 AFC Asian Cup.

The Sydney FC star will take up the ambassadorial role for next years showpiece for the region which will be held in Australia in January.

The Juventus and Italy great was thrilled to be involved so heavily with the 16th edition of Asian footballs number one tournament.

"I am very proud to be associated with the biggest football tournament ever held in Australia, the country that has become my home for the past two years, Del Piero said after his appointment was announced in Sydney on Tuesday.

"Asia is the fastest growing region in world football.

"To be given the responsibility of hosting Asias premier championship is a huge honour for Australia.

"To be given the responsibility of serving as global ambassador for that championship is a huge honour for me."

The 2015 Asian Cup kicks off on January 9 and finishes with the final in Sydney on January 31.

16 nations will take part in the tournament with one still to be decided at the AFC Challenge Cup which takes place in May this year.

The 15 qualified nations are hosts Australia, defending champion Japan, Korea Republi, DPR Korea, Bahrain, China, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

The draw takes place at the iconic Sydney Opera House on Wednesday night AEST.

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